It Ain't Hard to Tell- Nas

           A nice finisher to Illmatic. Nas drops some illmatic lyrics explaining his raps and the kind of quality they are, a typical message of rappers. Not that I like the boastful part of rapping, but if it is high-quality then of course I won't mind, because they are bragging the right way. Ha, if that sounds right. Anyways, a great rhythm with one of the catchiest drums I ever heard. Not only having that boom bip feel, I think that shall be a new hip-hop term! But the beat basically goes....
           CRAZY! Produced by Large Professor, the drums really run the show with the beautifully altered vocals being played at the same time. And that bassline is killer to! Also the "AH!" thrown in there you will probably here something very similar to it in a lot of hip-hop songs. Interesting whether just similar, or the sample is used I don't know, regardless that yelling can be found in a few Common sounds, as well as others I am sure. The drums just go like this!

ba-boom boom bip boom boom bip! I know, really complicated! But seriously, something about it just gets you jumping.

The LIST of samples:

• "Human Nature" by Michael Jackson 
• "N.T." by Kool & the Gang
• "Long Red" by Mountain
• "Why Can't People Be Colors Too?" by Whatnauts
• "Slow Dance" by Stanley Clarke
• "What Do You Want from Me Woman" by The Blue Jays
• "Sorcerer of Isis" by Power of Zeus

The beat is absolutely terrific. With the synths; sampled from "Human Nature" jamming in the background with Nas and the drums and bassline go on. During the chorus you get the vocals and that jazzy feel. "Long Red" is the sample that contains the "AH!" and the killer beat from the drums. Drums also from "Slow Dance" & "N.T.", with I believe the brass you here from "Why Can't People Be Colors Too?". A lot of samples going on and I am having quite the time to break them all down I will try my best. "Slow Dance" was used for some of the bassline from what I can tell. Last but not least, "Sorcerer of Isis" was used for more drums. I am guessing that leaves "Human Nature" with the vocals, I am not entirely sure. What Do You Want From Me Woman" is used for the brass you here. Man difficult to decipher. However, certainly a lot of sampling went into this piece really taking you everywhere in music. 

Definitely a great way to go out on this album. But I'll sum up my thoughts with the now-traditional closing.